Nigel Groome Studentship: How do ER-mitochondrial communications regulate plant metabolism during growth and stress adaptation?

Mitochondria support the energy demands of plant growth, development, and environmental adaptation through regulating ATP-synthesis, metabolism, and cell signalling. It is becoming apparent that mitochondrial homeostasis is dependent on their interactions with their neighbouring organelles.

Mitochondria form communication networks with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) at ER-mitochondrial contact sites (EMCS) to exchange signalling molecules and metabolites (eg Ca2+, ROS, lipids) between compartments.

Across Eukaryotes, EMCS are believed to coordinate appropriate mitochondrial metabolic responses to stress and developmental cues, and act as import/export hubs linking compartmentalised mitochondrial metabolic reactions to wider metabolic pathways.

In plants, the mechanisms and importance of ER-mitochondrial communication have yet to be fully understood. This poses a knowledge gap in our understanding of mitochondrial homeostasis during plant growth and stress-response.

This project will explore novel mechanisms of ER-mitochondrial signalling in plants mediated by EMCS proteins at the organelle interface. We will investigate the functions of ER-mitochondrial signalling in regulating mitochondrial structure and function and their importance to plant growth and stress-resilience.

We will use combinations of plant genetic manipulation (CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis, transgene expression), high-resolution light microscopy, electron microscopy, in vivo visualisation of mitochondrial signalling dynamics, and proteomic/metabolic analysis. Ideal applicants should have a background in plant molecular biology & bioimaging.

The studentship requires you to undertake the equivalent of up to 6 hours of teaching per week on average during semester time and to include preparation and marking (but no more than 20 hours per week) and to participate in a teaching skills course without further remuneration.